Fergusonville Feby. 26. 1858

My dear Nephew.

By Gods blessing we are in usual health except bad colds in which we share pretty much alike.

We have had excellent sleighing for about two weeks. The weather, except for a few days, has been very unusual (warm) for this Northern region. Business still continues dull and money exceedingly scarce. And what is more, we have very little produce of any kind that can be sold before next fall to bring money out of New York, when the “rocks” seem to have gathered.

A protracted meeting has been held near W. Davenport resulting in the Conversion of quite a large number - - some entire families - - among whom are two brothers of Mr D. Fero. A meeting is now in progress at Davemport Center. Some thirty have experienced religion - - and last night thirty others were at the alter. I hope the good work will extend up the valley. Bro. Henry has been down there for two days and nights and on Saturday will go to Bloomville to administer the sacrament. The last named place has enjoyed a rich spiritual harvest. It has swept almost everything in the place.
Last Saturday and Sunday we has our Quarterly meeting at Davenport Center. On Saturday Aaron Rogers preached a most glorious sermon on, “Christ our example.”
On Sunday Bro. Beach preached from the text “The Harvest is past, the Summer is ended and we are not saved.”
Seasons denominated Harvest or Summer - - 1st the season of youth - -
2nd the season of health, 3rd the season of personal conviction, 4th the season of arrival, when God pours out his spirit in a peculiar manner. Application - - “With you who are here to-day; the Harvest is not past.” “Your being here, is an evidence of that fact.”

I received your financial report which I think correct except that aunt Nancy’s a/c is overpaid. My a/c is as follows,
Viz (Keep this a/c)
Oct 13 1 firkin 98 lbs Butter @ 23c = 22.54
Dec 5 1 “ 105 “ “ “21” 22.05
“ 10 1 “ 103 “ “ “21” 21.63
“ 1 1 “ 105 “ “ “21” 22.05
Nov 16 ½ “ 46 “ “ “20” 9.20
“ 14 ½ “ 48 “ “ “20” 9.60

I have chgd. 1 cent per lb for freight except on 1 ½ $107.07 half firkin. There was no charge to be make on fowls or eggs. There Mr. Quinan has had one firkin which must be deducted.

Has Stanley found business yet? We often talk of our friends in the city and would be very glad to see them. We have very often wished you and Cad. Could walk in and visit us and join in a song, as of other days. My yarn is about spun and I must close. Remember us in much kindness to Aunt’s Nancy and Hannah Ann. Mr. and Mrs Jayne. Stanley and Rachel and Caddie. Write soon
Yours affly,

S. I. Ferguson

Courtesy of the Davenport Historical Association, Davenport, NY, 13750. Over 500 letters from the Ferguson and Jayne families, most dating from the mid-nineteenth century, are available from the Davenport Historical Society in The Ferguson-Jayne Papers, 1826 - 1938, edited by Mary Briggs. Transcribed for this web site by Margaret Monaco. All misspellings have been carefully preserved.

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